Sahara Overland
Chris Scott
Hardcover: 688 pages
Publisher: Trailblazer Publications; 2.00 edition (February 1,
2005)
Language: English
ISBN: 1873756763
Overall Rating: 5 Stars 
Readability: 5 Stars
Practical Information: 5 Stars
Historical / Site Information: 3 Stars
Photography: 4 Stars
Buy
this book
I have searched for years to find a book that comprehensively
discusses the myriad issues that face the prospective overland
traveler. Sahara Overland is the book I have been searching for.
While ostensibly about preparation for travel through the Sahara,
the techniques described by Scott are applicable for travel in
any environment. Scott begins by discussing which vehicles are
appropriate for overlanding. He discusses the pros and cons of
many vehicles, covering both European and North American models,
often highlighting the mechanical differences between each model
year. For the novice there is a lengthy technical section describing
the function of the major mechanical systems in a 4-wheel drive
truck, and why each is important to the overland traveler. Scott
also suggests potential modifications to an overland vehicle that
will make the trip a safer, more pleasurable experience. There
is a lengthy supply and survival guide, telling you what to bring,
what to leave at home, and how to survive if stranded in the harsh
desert environment. The chapter that covered desert driving especially
impressed me. Scott describes in detail how to drive defensively
in the desert and how to react in dangerous situations. There
are also separate sections dedicated to traveling by motorcycle
and bicycle. The final portion of the book is dedicated to 35
different offroad routes across the deserts of nine North African
Countries. Each route includes maps, GPS coordinates, and text
descriptions of the terrain that will be encountered. In total,
the pages of Sahara Overland are graced with 45 maps, 280 black
and white photos, and 26 color prints. The wealth of practical
information in Sahara Overland is simply staggering. This book
is essential for planning an overland expedition, wherever your
destination. Even the most seasoned overland veteran will find
Sahara Overland a valuable resource. And if you are headed to
the deserts of North Africa, you would be a fool not to take this
book.
